Payne Assist Helps Everton End Chelsea’s 34-Game WSL Run

In a stunning upset at Kingsmeadow, Everton stunned Chelsea 1–0 — handing the Blues their first league defeat in 585 days and ending a 34-match unbeaten run.

The decisive moment came in the 12th minute when Toni Payne sent in a precise cross from the right flank, which was met by Honoka Hayashi at the far post to slot home the winner.

Everton’s defence held firm throughout the rest of the game, absorbing waves of pressure from Chelsea and protecting their slender lead until the final whistle.

With the win, Everton climb to ninth in the Women’s Super League standings, while Chelsea’s long-standing aura of invincibility takes a major blow.

Editorial

In football’s grand theatre, the loudest roars often come from the unexpected. On this evening, Everton — not typically cast in the starring role emerged not just as participants, but as protagonists. Their 1–0 win over Chelsea does more than rewrite a record-book entry it refashions belief.

Chelsea’s 34-match unbeaten run was less a streak than a statement. Consistency, dominance, expectation. To topple that required more than a moment of brilliance it required discipline, conviction, and nerves honed to edge. Toni Payne’s cross and Honoka Hayashi’s finish were poetry, yes, but the defensive resolve that followed transformed genius into victory.

Everton did not win because of luck or fluke. They won because they believed they could. In an age where glamour often trumps grit, this Everton side reminded us that football’s true currency remains character. They did not dominate possession. They did not drown Chelsea in chances. They defended, disciplined, and struck — once. And once was enough.

For Chelsea, this loss is more than a blip. It is a reminder that even giants can be felled when complacency sets in, or conviction falters. For Everton and for all who root for the underdog it is a revival. In the world of women’s football, where attention often skews to status and headlines, this night belongs to those who built the result through resolve, not reputation.

Did You Know?

1. Toni Payne has now contributed either a goal or an assist in back-to-back matches she previously scored and assisted in Everton’s 3–1 win over Newcastle United.
2. The defeat marked the first time Everton have ever beaten Chelsea in the Women’s Super League since the latter established their dominance a landmark result for the Toffees.
3. This loss is the first league defeat for Chelsea under their current head coach, Sonia Bompastor, who had until now overseen a spotless record.
4. Everton’s victory ended a 34-match WSL unbeaten run for Chelsea a span of 585 days without a league loss, underscoring just how significant the upset was.
5. Despite Chelsea’s statistical dominance in the match including multiple corners and periods of possession — Everton’s defensive discipline and strategic counter-attack proved decisive, showing that control doesn’t always equate to goals.